2941.10 - Penicillins and their derivatives with a penicillanic acid structure; salts thereof:

This HTS category, 2941.10, encompasses penicillins and their derivatives, specifically those possessing a penicillanic acid structure, along with their corresponding salts. This broad classification captures a significant group of antibiotics derived from the penicillin mold. It is crucial to identify the fundamental penicillanic acid core structure when classifying goods under this heading, as this chemical characteristic defines its inclusion.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings, 2941.20 to 2941.50, hinges on the specific antibiotic class. For instance, while all fall under the broader "Antibiotics" heading, 2941.10 is exclusively for penicillins. Streptomycins, tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, and erythromycin are each assigned to their own distinct subheadings based on their unique chemical structures and origins. The catch-all "Other" category, 2941.90, is reserved for antibiotics not specifically enumerated in the preceding subheadings.

Within 2941.10, further subdivisions exist to account for specific and commonly traded penicillin preparations. For example, 2941.10.10.00 and 2941.10.20.00 specifically address ampicillin and Penicillin G salts, respectively. This granular level of classification allows for more precise tariff application based on the exact chemical identity and common trade names of the penicillin-based antibiotics. The presence of an "Other" subcategory at this level signifies that less common or specialized penicillin derivatives will also be classified here.